The warm Gulf Stream, one of the strongest ocean currents in the world, originates in the Florida Straits (where many centuries-old ships are sunk) and flows to the Atlantic separating the Everglades, the Keys and Cuba. From little surf towns to action-packed hotspots, appreciate the postcard-perfect terrains at one of Floridas greatest white sand seasides. The city of Vero Beach has a little something for everyone hidden on its pristine shores literally. Map: Monroe is a mixture of two extremes from the virtually uninhabited mainland Everglades, to the bustling Florida Keys with popular Key West. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. The seasides on Anna Maria Island puff soft white sand and transparent turquoise waters that will draw you in for a daytime of washing up Floridas eternal sunshine. All images on this page copyright FloridaSmart.com. Lil Shark Park is a city park that offers a playground and white sand beachfront. It attracts travelers with its dazzling white sand and clear, shallow waters. Here are the best things to do there. Grab a bag of picnic supplies and spend the morning swimming and soaking up the sun on Juno's pristine shores. If Fido has tagged along for your Key West adventure (or if you want to watch puppies play on the beach), Higgs Beach has one of the best dog parks around. Fifteen public, sugar-white sand beaches beaches spanning 18 miles in the Pensacola area are all yours to stroll, swim, sun, and savor. has shaded picnic spots, barbecue pits, a playground, volleyball courts and plenty of space to unwind. This beach is popular among locals for launching kayaks and fishing from the shore. Abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems can be enjoyed within the 1,600 acres of beaches, tidal marshes and nature trails that make up beautiful Anastasia State Park. Departing from Miami, Orlando, Tampa and diverse landscapes in between, these are the best ways to get to Everglades National Park. Our goal is simple. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sitemap, 13 of the Best Florida Keys Resorts for Families, 13 of the Best Family Campgrounds in Florida, Where To See Alligators in Florida: 13 Gator Watching Spots, Palm Springs Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting With Kids, Seattle Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, Las Vegas Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, Florida Keys Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, Myrtle Beach Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids, The Bahamas Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting with Kids. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Beyond the animals and along its white sand shores, Higgs Beach also has six picnic tiki huts and a historic military lookout West Martello Tower with Insta-worthy gardens adjacent to it. All in all, it is truly the best white sand beach in the US. If you're searching for sunny days and temperate waters, it doesn't get much warmer than the beaches of Key West, the state's southernmost point. Lovely pearlescent shells are ample throughout the gorgeous white sand, and there are no laws that restrict taking a souvenir.If youre not the swimming kind, then not to fear! But all of this activity contributes to the islands beautiful, unique landscape. You'll find the Loggerhead Marinelife Center a 15-minute walk down the beach, and a 10- to 15-minute car ride will take you to the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary and John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Be surprised by the diversity of Florida, which is so much more than beaches and theme parks. Smathers Beach is the greatest white sand seaside in Floridas Key West. But in reality its due to the fact that thesands arealmost entirely composed of silicathat has been finely crushed. But if you are looking for an afternoon visiting a small town with fishing, boating and beach options, head up the Nature Coast and discover Old Florida at its best. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, White sand beaches, stunning sunsets and a bird-watcher's paradise. Take a day trip to nearby Topsail Hill Preserve Here are 14 of the best beaches in Florida. White Sand Beaches Beaches in Florida If youre peeking for an excellent spot to go swimming in the Sarasota area, check out Siesta Key! Caladesi has been ranked highly as one of the top beaches in the United States by both Dr. Beach and a number of other reputable publications. Take CR 40 aka Follow That Dream Parkway all the way to the end. Relax. 15. Not so much. The pioneers called it Hog Island, but it became Honeymoon Isle in 1939 when a New York developer built 50 palm - thatched bungalows for honeymooners. Youll be enticed in by the velvety quartz sand, glistening turquoise waters, and laid-back beach townlet environment It is the Best White Sand Beach. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. In comparison to many of the top beaches in the country, Pensacola Beach isbreathtaking and featuresdazzling white sands. There are almost 9miles of whitesand at Orange Beach, which is situated in a particularly scenic part of the Gulf of Mexico. This beach offers a quieter off-the-beaten path shoreline with a swimming area, picnic areas and amenities. As one of the few completely natural islands along Floridas Gulf Coast, Caladesis white sand beaches were rated America's Best Beach in 2008. Dare we say this is the ultimate number one of all the white sand beaches in Florida? 50 E Beach Rd Tavernier, FL 33070 (305) 852-7161 Nestled in Tavernier, this man-made hideaway entices visitors with imported white sand and sparkling aquamarine water. Here, we take a look at a handful or so of the most beautiful white sand beaches in Florida, starting on the Panhandle and working our way south. Search along scenic South Beach Park before joining a game of pickup volleyball. The island encompasses Perdido Key State Park, Big Lagoon State Park and Johnson Beach at Gulf Islands National Seashore, all heaped with gloriously soft sand. If you discover yourself on the Florida Panhandle, you wont like to skip a daytime (or days) finished enjoying Miramar Beach. 9 Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach is an outstanding and prominent beach in Florida. Get barefoot! Draw up a bistro chair and drape your hand into the fine, white sand or join a game of beach volleyball. A prized stop on the Florida Birding Trail, Bahia Honda State Park is loaded with wildlife and vantage points for taking it all in. Especially if you can find a stretch of silky sand that youll have to yourself. But, once youre there, vivid coral reefs, a massive Civil War-era fortress (Fort Jefferson) and secluded beaches like no other await. Visitors can explore the maritime hammocks, ancient sand dunes and historic coquina quarry before taking a dip in the Atlantic along pristine, white-sand beaches. In fact, these states are home to the best white sand beaches in the world, not just America. Map: Collier's miles of sparkling white sand beaches stretch from undeveloped Barefoot Beach Preserve barrier island to busy Marco Island near Big Cypress National Preserve. No problem! Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. Turquoise water and white sand - where Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, John Pennekamp State Park features nearly 200 nautical square miles of coral reefs and marine life, regularly including great barracudas, parrotfish and more. Flamenco Beach lacks opulent hotels, gaming zones and restaurants, but it does offer a particularly peaceful atmosphere, free of congestion, overcrowdingand violence. The Sponge Industry helped build a Greek Community that is now famous not only for the worlds finest sponges, but for some of the finest Greek Restaurants, Markets, and Bakeries in the Country. C/O Koreshan State Park Best beach for a totally isolated retreat. The World's Beaches With the Whitest SandQueensland, Australia. Spending a lot of time in Australia's Whitsunday Islands is sure to amaze you, particularly iconic Whitehaven Beach.Clearwater, Florida, USA. Bora Bora, Tahiti. Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Boracay, Philippines. Lofoten Islands, Norway. Zanzibar, Tanzania. Jericoacoara, Brazil. Okinawa, Japan. New South Wales, Australia. Some content on this site is saved in an alternative format. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. 3800 Corkscrew Road Located in Sarasota, Siesta Key's public beach is among the most acclaimed in the world. Sand Key Beach, Clearwater, Florida. This The area features 2 beachfronts with swimming areas, picnic tables, sand volleyball court, a playground, concession standand amenities. Find out how Honeymoon Island received its name! Note that the road ends with a round-about where you can park on the side, get out and walk across the jetty to the preserved land marsh, and walk across the beachfront area. One of Floridas most stunning Gulf Coast gems, St. Pete Beach is house to a gorgeous spread of undeveloped beaches with a gorgeous landscape of pure sugar sand and shimmering blue sea. Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling before taking a break to check out the park's pre-Civil War fortress. Delray Beach is the perfect place to alternate between napping, swimming in the ocean, and people-watching. If you go beyond the beach, there is a lot more for you to discover, such as forests, cranberry bogs, and wetlands. Located between Duck Key and Marathon, this park has 1000 lush acres that are primed for outdoor adventures. The stretch of sandy beach is strewn with twisted logs that, over the course of time, have been worn down by the sun and the waves. Not a surfer? Siesta Beach is the ideal illustration of a white-sand Florida seaside. PDF: | The coast itself is an extensive spectrum of smooth white sand and ocean remains! This family-friendly seaside is an ideal place for children to entertain in the daytime by swimming and constructing sandcastles. Ten counties range from largely undeveloped Hernando through the urban areas of Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee to the vast conservation areas of the Big Cypress Swamp and Everglades in Collier and Monroe. Beaches Swimming, fishing, shelling, hiking and bicycling are all popular activities that make Honeymoon Island State Park an ideal getaway. Located in the Big Bend region where the curve of Florida connects the panhandle to Floridas peninsula. A family-friendly area with limitless opportunities for beachgoers. One of Floridas best-loved state On a given day, dozens of species of wood warblers, great white herons, sandpipers and more are visible from its confines situated between Big Pine Key and Marathon. But it most certainly is. And thanks to an '80s redesign, you can choose between sitting in the sand or posting up in the park's shaded grassy area. 1. 12 Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So finding one isnt particularly easy. Florida Beach Services offers casual beach fare, has a small gift shop and is located steps away from the ferry dock. You can absorb the sunlight as you explore your toes in the sand, help the children make a sandcastle, and relish a day of water activities. And its no wonder. The water off the beach is usually very clear --especially before the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Your JavaScript is turned off limiting this websites functionality. Whether its protecting sea turtle nestsor teaching kids about environmental protection, he knows he is helping preserve this park for future generations. The Nature Coast of Florida is rightly named as a nature lovers paradise with a plethora wildlife,state parks and old Florida small town charm. Daytona beach has a wide sugary white sand beach that you can drive onto. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. If you are looking for the gorgeous white sand beaches, this is not the area for you. Situated on the lovely island of Kauai,Tunnels Beach was used for scenes in the movieSouth Pacific, a 1950s classic. Additionally, Coronado Beach doesntonly provide breathtaking natural beauty, but also a variety of amenities, making it one of the best white sand beaches in the US. Several keys off shore have beachfronts as well. Be included in our Business Directory. While the towns along this region are fishing and boating communities, some bring in soft white sand to create more beautiful shorelines in public parks. However, with stunning coastal states like Florida, Hawaii and California, there really isnt a shortage of white sand beaches in the US. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. 14 Prettiest Beaches in Tampa Florida - Florida Trippers By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Rent a bike and authority to Bean Point, where the Gulf of Mexico meets Tampa Bay, to find a perfect spot to watch dolphins sloshing back in the moisture and manatees grazing by. 9 White Sand Beaches That Florida Is Well Known For - TheTravel The natural sand along the water line has a gentle slope into the warm waters making it a nice swim area. Fort De Soto is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. The kids choose to be fascinated by the players and road entertainers at Sunsets at Pier 60. Key West may have west in its name, but its actually not the most western attraction in the Keys. If the lively hustle and bustle of Key West isnt striking the right chord, the untouched beauty of Curry Hammock State Park will. Beaches are quite common in the United States, but white sand beaches? All rights reserved. This unique find is the beautiful beachfront and clear waters of this lake that was developed around a former limestone mine with a 70 acre spring-fed lake. One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. A fourth-generation Floridian, Todd is proud to work at Honeymoon Island State Park. When you need a break from the sun, browse the shops on Atlantic Avenue or take in the murals and public art in the Pineapple Grove Arts District. The park has a boat ramp and picnic areas for enjoying the water view, but no beachfront. SunWest Park is a recreational waterfront park inside a planned community in Pasco County with a fabulous beachfront area that offers gorgeous white sand and shallow swimming areas. But with all that shoreline, finding the state's best beaches requires some research. Enjoy the vibrant environment to the fullest, while relaxing in the warm sunshine, looking for lovely shells or engaging in other outdoor activities like paragliding, surfing or river cruises, while also looking out for dolphins. You can walk along the bouncy Pensacola Beach Pier, snorkel, examine aquatic marine life, indulge in refreshed seafood, or wait for sunset and enter the monthly stargazing groups. The barrier island across from Miami has a fossilized mangrove reef, which is home to colorful sea life that has long attracted divers and snorkelers. There are facilities, however, cell service might be limited. Top 13 White Sand Beaches in Florida - Trips To Discover In this beach, silica composes the majority of the sands, giving it a bright white color that glows in the sunlight. Every beach is distinct, with its levels and segments, but some of the gorgeous beaches are the ones with paradisiacal white sands and crystal transparent waters. If you need to get out of the sun, hop in the car and drive north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. You can pass your time here at Smathers or Higgs Beach, but for calm waters and wide stretches of sand, it's hard to beat Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Crystal River is well-known for its springs so its not surprising that one of the best beaches in the area is on a spring. The Nature Coast does not have the same beachfronts that you can find in the panhandle or the Clearwater and St. Pete beaches to the south. Most beachfront in key west are constructed of coral or small stones and gravel, which separates Smathers Beach! Weeki Wachee is famous for their Springs and mermaids, but if you head directly west, you will find a nice family beach that has something for everyone. South Walton, Florida. Clearwater Beach. One of the most stunning seasides in the United States, you cant conquer its white sand shoreline and transparent emerald green sea. The beach in Hudson is small and usually frequented by locals, but recently more vacation goers have discovered that it is a nice place to be. The phrase pristine perfection has been used to describe it. WebThe white sand beaches and diverse nature trails of Honeymoon Island State Park make this barrier island an ideal place to get away from it all. Crystal River is a haven for water, nature and wildlife lovers and while the beach is man-made, it is a gorgeous beachfront to relax and enjoy Florida living. The sands of this beach glitter like gold when the sun shines upon them,because of thehigh levels ofsilver andminerals. Tucked in the northwest corner of Florida, this sliver of paradise is so narrow you can often see the Gulf of Mexico and the bay at the same time. Spanning 125 miles of dynamic island bliss, there is no shortage of turquoise waters, white sands and outdoor delights in the Florida Keys. Smathers Beach is just that. Bearing in mind a wet season, possible hurricanes and a stretch of super-humid weather, here's when to visit Everglades National Park. The silky beaches of Kaanapali, formerly a retreat for the states royalty, and its emerald waters now entice visitors to engage in a wide range of amenities, from drinkingto lounging, surfing, swimming and cliff jumping. Spend the cool mornings curating your perfect stash of shells on Bowman's Beach before laying down a towel under the warm sun. Sombrero Beach's soft white sands border the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, making the area ideal for snorkeling. Conservation areas along the southwest Gulf Coast include 15aquatic preserves, 40 state parks, 14 national wildlife refuges, two national parks and the more than 110,000-acre Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. If you tire of energy on the coast, Miramars South Walton community is complete with picturesque coast roads and antique shopping remaining to be uncovered. Heres a rundown of this trio of treasures. Clearwater Beach is home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. The Best White Sand Beaches of FloridaPanama City. One of the nicest beaches ever. Lido Key Beach. This place is very close to its sistering beach in Sarasota. Siesta Key. A gorgeous beach found on the outskirts of Sarasota Beach, this lovely coast is also filled with sand as white as snow.Anna Maria Island. It is one of those beaches found on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Clearwater Beach. Why We Recommend This Beach If youre searching for family-friendly Florida Keys beaches, look no further than Harry Harris Park. 16 Prettiest White Sand Beaches in the United States Beach areas are hard to come by without a boat to go out to one of the surrounding keys. There is a pier to view the beautiful waters and sunsets, or cast a line and do some fishing. This area is known for being a fishing village and home to somegreat seafood. 2. Beaches on Floridas Gulf Coast Evie Carrick is a writer and editor whos lived in five countries and visited well over 50. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: Best beach for kayaking and paddle boarding. These beaches are laden with pure white sand, great fishing, and mom-and-pop stores and restaurants. Ultimate Beach Guide to Florida's Nature Coast - Florida Stake out your spot in the The 13 Top Florida Keys Beaches | Travel | U.S. News You don't have to fly to the Caribbean to experience white-sand beaches. The Town of Redington Beach, Florida, is located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. Southwest Florida If visiting an underwater world doesn't interest you, look up Crandon Park is one of the Miami area's top bird-watching destinations (herons, hawks, ospreys, and songbirds are often spotted here). Just like the start of this list, its only fitting that it ends with a white sand beach from Florida as well. Relax on the white sandy beach areafeaturing a playground and amenities. Miramar Beach. The white sand is brought in to create a softer whiter beach area. While the area is secluded from the rest of Floridaand the population is small, the town has grown to add a restaurant, a full-service marina, an athletic area, and a park. 10. Your email address will not be published. When looking skyward, eagles, osprey and great horned owls can be seen, while ground animals include gopher tortoises, raccoons and armadillos. Ultimate Beach Guide to Florida's Nature Coast - Florida Best Beaches in The Florida Keys You want Florida, you want it all, and you only want to unpack once. Enjoy the pleasure, comfortable environment that Key West is known for a time, not including guiding the small stones that bring in every niche and crevice of your shoes and occur in your car magically behind you get around from the seaside! Honeymoon Island is the perfect place to go when looking for outdoor recreational entertainment! From baseball to bluegrass, road trips to wildlife, there are endless fantastic experiences to have across the US. The center is open to the public for tours six days a week (except Wednesdays). Tigertail Beach Park entices vacationers to take long hikes, search for seashells, or rent kayaks. Best beach for a family-friendly adventure. A must: walking out to a sandbar beyond the shore (dont worry, the waters are typically shallow and calm). WebI live in north Florida and believe the panhandle has some of the most attractive beaches. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Ultimate Beach Guide to St Pete Florida Area Beaches, Florida Smart Guide to Disney World Resorts, The Best Places to Learn about Floridas African American History, Ultimate Beach Guide to Pensacola Florida Beaches, 11 Festive Florida Towns to get you in the Holiday Spirit. Best Beaches in Florida on East & West Coast. 1. Panama City Beach. The Panama City Beach features 27 miles of white sand beaches and is also home to St Andrews state park and Camp Helen state park. The beach has many public beach access points and legendary attractions. Clearwater Beach is another well-known White Sand Beaches in Florida, puffing some heavy bombast rights. Note that this is not a pristine beachfront. Beaches in Florida Smathers Beach. One of the most suitable beaches in Floridas Panhandle, this packed neighborhood boasts 12 miles of fresh shoreline that is ideal for beachgoers scrutinizing for total isolation. To share the positive things that make the area unique. The beachfront is a beautiful white sand natural beach. Even more secluded than Horseshoe beach and off of Hwy 357that connects to Hwy 351 (between Horseshoe Beach and Cross City), this area is largely undeveloped. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Situated in Marathon, this tranquil beach (with typically tranquil waters!) Floridas cuisine is a blend of Southern recipes, Latin American influences and old-school Floridian techniques here's your guide to the best of it. We are bordered by North Redington Beach to the north, Madeira Beach to the south, the Intracoastal Waterway on the east, and the Gulf of Mexico on the west. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. You can focus your attention on nature particularly, the beach's rolling waves and sandy shores or walk along Millionaires' Row in the Old Naples area and pick out your dream house. ALSO READ Best Natural Springs Near Tampa You Must Visit. A trip to the Rotary Centennial Nature Center helps visitors learn about the parks history and natural resources. Sand Key beach located on the barrier island is known as a secret beach! Caladesi Island Ferry provides access to the island. Swimming and snorkeling are extremely famous here too. 15 Best White Sand Beaches in Florida You Should Visit One of the most northwesterly beaches finishes in all of Florida, Perdido Key is a top white sand seaside on the Florida Panhandle. Talk about relaxation. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. To explore these beachfront areas, bring your boat or kayak. Here are some of the best things to do. WebLocated on Floridas Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach is an idyllic Gulf Coast destination with 24 miles of picturesque shoreline. Plus, it boasts spectacular sunsets over the Gulf. And while the name suggests it is a Beach town, this small town is primarily a fishing and boating community. There are plenty of other historical attractions within the park year-round, too, including tours of the brick-clad fort and its extensive collection of seaside-positioned cannons and artillery. Here, seashells from the Gulf of Mexico wash ashore, attracting collectors from all over the world so it's no surprise Bowman's Beach makes this list of best beaches in Florida. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Floridas natural resources and enhance its ecosystems.